SPRINGFIELD - Today’s baby boomers want to be more active partners in managing their own health care and to stay vibrant and healthy, particularly as they get older. Greater Springfield Senior Services is seeking volunteer group leaders for three programs designed to help older adults achieve their goals.

Group leaders must have good communication and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, dependability and a willingness to lead small groups of older adults.

All volunteers will participate in a free, comprehensive two-day training to bring this evidence-based curriculum to local participants.

"A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls" emphasizes practical strategies to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels. Group leaders will help participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

"Healthy Eating" is for older adults who want to learn more about nutrition to improve their over-all health. Group leaders will teach aspects of nutrition, bone and heart health including label reading and portion control, the importance of physical activity, and behavior change techniques.

"My Life, My Health: Chronic Disease Self-Management" is for anyone living with a chronic disease or condition such as asthma, arthritis, COPD, or cancer who would like to take back the reins of their own health care.

Greater Springfield Senior Services is a nonprofit agency that provides a variety of services to help older adults and their caregivers within a 12-community service area. Funding for the program is through a grant from the federal Administration on Aging.